
FORTitude Teen Mental Wellness Series
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Grounded in evidence-led practices in Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Mindful Self-Compassion and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this six-week series helps teens:
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Develop self-awareness
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Gain a better understanding of their emotions
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Implement personalized coping skills for managing life’s challenges
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Foster connectedness among teen participants and the workshop facilitator
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Be a part of a safe, trusting environment
Every workshop includes Interactive discussions, activities, games, and mindful moments.
The Teen Workshop for Middle School Students is for ages 11-14 (grades 6-8).
Middle School Students Series
Tuesdays, 6 - 7:30 PM
October 24 - December 12*
at Crossroads, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn 20147
*Please note that we will be skipping the weeks of October 31st and November 21st due to Halloween and Thanksgiving.
The Ryan Bartel Foundation is not affiliated with Crossroads United Methodist Church. The content of FORTitude Teen Workshops program is not affiliated with nor directed by any religious denomination. The Crossroads congregation have generously provided the space to hold the workshop sessions for which we are grateful.
Workshop themes:
Session 1: Creating Community
Session 2: Exploring Identity
Session 3: Finding Acceptance
Session 4: Defining Healthy Relationships
Session 5: Improving Communication
Session 6: Learning To Thrive
Space is limited to ensure that each participant is given the opportunity to engage with the leaders and other participants in a meaningful, mindful way. All workshops are interactive so registrants must attend ready to participate.
Also available for teens, check out our
FORTitude Teen Hangout and our monthly FORT
Workshop Facilitators

Jennifer Montes, Program Manager, MSW
Jennifer is originally from Herndon, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where she got her Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.). During her undergrad, she worked with the disability community, HUD-subsidized housing communities, and non-profit work in the mental health sector. After being exposed to the inequalities, injustices, and unjust barriers those individuals faced, she went on to get her Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a concentration in administration, planning, and policy practice. She wanted to use her passion of empowering individuals but also saw a great need for systemic change in the world. She joined the Ryan Bartel Foundation because she became passionate about mental health due to her lived experiences. She also realized how mental health affects all aspects of someones life, yet it has been one of the most neglected subjects for centuries. Jennifer said, “change is not an easy nor a fast process. Before advocating for our needs, we must address our own biases instilled in us our entire lives. Non-profit work is not a quick fix but a crucial part in the equation for systemic change.”
Enjoy this mindful moment from our Teen Workshops!
Also available for teens:
Teen Hangout and The FORT